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Outdoor Water Efficiency

Help Conserve Our Drinking Water Supply

Water consumption varies by season within the City of Markham. Markham experiences peak demand during summer months when water use is at its highest. Peak demand often represents wasteful or unnecessary water use which is not sustainable for Markham’s water conservation goals and the life-span of the City’s waterworks infrastructure. Summer water use also results in higher water bills, but we have some tips to help you manage your outdoor water use and your water bill.

Summer Water Restrictions

What You Need To Know About The By-law!

In effect between June 1 and September 30 every year

Applies to all owners, tenants or lessees of residential properties

Restricts the use of municipally-supplied drinking water for the purpose of watering your lawns, gardens, trees and shrubs

Outdoor watering on residential properties is allowed between 6-9 a.m. or 6-9 p.m., but not both

Properties with an even-numbered street address can water their lawns on even-numbered days during this time

Properties with an odd-numbered street address can water their lawns on odd-numbered days during this time

Those in violation of Markham’s Summer Water Restrictions (By-law 105-95) may be fined up to $5,000 upon conviction.

Why Are Summer Water Restrictions Necessary?

During summer months, water consumption can more than double due to increased outdoor water usage. From June 1 to September 30 each year, residents are required to follow Markham’s Summer Water Restrictions (By-law 105-95) to ensure that the demand does not exceed the delivery capacity of the City’s existing water distribution system. Reducing how much water we use during peak hours (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) decreases the need to expand current infrastructure and prolongs its lifespan. This also keeps construction, operation and maintenance costs lower, while keeping the overall cost of providing reliable and safe water to our community affordable.

Summer Water Restrictions Help:

Reduce Infrastructure Demands
Water and wastewater infrastructure is built to handle peak demand times, typically between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. This is when we collectively use the most treated water. Reducing how much water we use during these peak hours can reduce the need to expand current infrastructure and prolong the lifespan of our distribution pipes and pumping stations. This would lower construction, operation and maintenance costs keeping the overall cost of providing clean water to homes and businesses affordable.

Maintain a Reliable Water Supply
A reliable water supply helps ensure drinking water reserves, adequate water pressure and fire protection. Reducing our use of treated water during peak hours will ensure a reliable water supply we can all count on.

Support Environmental Sustainability
The water used outdoors from sprinklers, hoses and driveway car washing runs off into storm sewers on your street, picking up all sorts of pollutants along the way. Contaminated water entering our storm sewers flow directly into Lake Ontario without being treated. Reducing outdoor water use may also reduce the pollutants that end up in our drinking water source. Remember, there are many plants, wildlife and aquatic animals that rely on a clean lake too.

Beware...Non-Compliance Notices

The City actively patrols for violations in an interdepartmental initiative between Waterworks, By-Law, and Waste Management. Residents that receive the notice have been identified as being non-compliant with the summer water restrictions (By-law 105-95). The notices are distributed to inform, educate and raise awareness throughout the community about proper outdoor water use during the summer.

Are there any exemptions to the By-Law (105-95)?

Properties with newly laid sod for a period of 2 months after the sod is first laid.

Properties not connected to the municipal water supply. However, we encourage all property owners to be good environmental stewards and follow the water use restrictions.

Water Efficient Backyard Oasis

Vibrant Landscapes

The plants you choose and the area of lawn you maintain directly impact how much water you need to keep your yard healthy. Native plants are the best choice when landscaping as they grow in our region naturally and are adapted to the climate. You can save water by limiting the lawn area you keep green and weed free. Trees, shrubs and ground cover absorb much more rainfall and require less maintenance than grass. Placing mulch around plantings will also reduce water evaporation. Another great tip is to groups plants with similar water needs so that the appropriate amount of water is being supplied to reduce water waste.

We do not encourage the use of pesticides, chemical treatments and the over-use of fertilizers. When landscapes are watered or it rains, these chemicals may enter our storm sewers polluting our fresh drinking water source.

Rain Gardens - Low Impact Development

Rain Gardens are a great way of managing storm water runoff and protecting the quality of water that flows into local streams, ponds, rivers, and lakes. A rain garden uses a depression in the landscape to collect water runoff. It incorporates loose, deep soil and native plant species that are both drought and water tolerant, permitting 30% more water to penetrate into the ground than would a lawn. You can visit a demonstration rain garden at the Markham Museum, or see other demonstration rain gardens in the region. Find out more information on how you can create water efficient landscaping from the TRCA Rain Gardens publication.

Maintaining a Healthy Lawn (Courtesy of York Region)

Aerate every other fall to limit soil compaction, increase water absorption and help to reduce thatch

Top dress every spring or fall with compost; rake into the lawn to a depth of half an inch

Over-seed every spring or fall with a grass seed high in fescue content (at least 60%) and low in Kentucky Blue content (20% at most)

Fescue grasses have fine glades that are drought and disease resistant due to their deep rooting system

Kentucky Blue grass which is the only grass found in sod, has the shallowest root system and is therefore the type of seed that is the weakest, most water dependent and most susceptible to disease

Mowing height should be six centimetres to eight centimetres to shade roots and prevent weed seed germination

Fertilize every fall with compost to give your lawn the nutrients it needs to make it through the winter for more Tips Watch This Video

Rain Barrels

Disconnect Your Downspout and Collect the Rain

Disconnect your downspout from the sewer system and redirect the water to your yard and garden. A rain barrel is an efficiency way to collect and store rainwater from your roof. Rain barrels are available at local hardware stores and have minimal maintenance once installed. Choose a barrel that holds a minimum 200 litres and has a mesh screen covering the water entry to keep out mosquitoes and other pests. Use an overflow hose to direct water into the garden or a grassed area where it will soak into the ground. You can elevate your barrel to create increased water pressure, and link multiple barrels for greater capacity. Be sure to empty your rain barrel and bring it indoors or turn it over before it freezes in the fall. Water left in the barrel over winter can crack the plastic walls. TRCA has produced an information sheet.